Month: August 2022

Philippians 1:19-20, NKJV

As children of God, we must have continued confidence in our position in Christ Jesus. We will experience unpleasant situations in our lives. Frankly, there will be times when we suffer. During Apostle Paul’s house arrest in Rome, he wrote this letter to his friends, the Philippian believers. He wanted them to know that even though he was in jail, he was still spreading the Gospel. We can share it where ever we are with whomever we meet. There is no way to hinder the spread of the Gospel.

Paul’s request was for the prayers of the Philippian Christians. He was confident that through their prayers and the gracious supply of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, he would be delivered (v.19). How about you? Is your heart fixed and your mind made up that whether or not you are released from a situation you will glorify God? Paul’s imprisonment was a season of suffering; many of us would be highly embarrassed in such a situation. In his season of suffering, he earnestly expected and hoped to never be ashamed. He declared to always magnify Christ in his body, whether by life or by death (v.20). Remember, Jesus Christ died for us, and His Holy Spirit is our helper. Resolve today to honor and glorify God throughout your situation regardless of the outcome because of your faithfulness.

1 Peter 1:17-21

Apostle Peter informs us that children of God cannot live like the world before God Our Father. God commands commitment to holiness of believers. This is not our home; we are “strangers in this world, dwelling here as resident aliens.” Peter told these believers that if they call on the holy and impartial Father, the One who judges each man’s   work fairly while living on this earth, they are to conduct themselves in reverent fear (v.17). Our Father deserves our sincere imitation of His holiness; He has done so much for us; we just can’t tell it all.

Peter continued by stating that they know they were not redeemed with perishable things, like silver or gold. These perishables were the useless fruit of their spiritually unproductive way of life they inherited by tradition from their forefathers (v.18, AMP). They were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ – like a sacrificial lamb, unblemished and spotless (v.19). He was the ultimate and only effective sacrifice. Old Testament sacrifices were types of Christ. ^“He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for you” (v.20). God does all things in His appointed time for His divine purpose for man’s sake. Peter declared to these “strangers in the world” that God sent Jesus so that through Him they would believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory, so that their faith and hope are in God (v.21). Believers are required to trust God and commit to His holiness. Are you ready to commit to His holiness today? Give God a hand clap of praise.

Our heavenly Father has called His children to live in holiness – the state of being set apart or consecrated for service to Him. He is all-knowing and merciful and has never commanded us to do anything we are not able to do. Apostle Peter exhorted these dispersed  believers to prepare for their journey of faith: “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace (divine, unmerited favor) that is to be brought to you at the second coming of Jesus Christ” (v.13).

Peter went on to remind them that they are children of God (v.14); they have been born again of incorruptible seed by the word of God, which lives and abides forever (v. 23). Therefore, their conduct should be as obedient children, imitators of God the Father, walking in love as Christ Jesus has loved us and given His life for us. Believers are not to conform to their former lusts – their old evil ways – as when they were ignorant (v.14). Yes, before we accepted Christ, we were ignorant and rejected Him. Now that we are born again we should know better. We must refuse to return to our old way of living, perishing because of a lack of knowledge. 

Since He [God the Father] who called them is holy, they are to align with Him in all their manner of living (v.15), because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (v.16). What a gracious Father! He wants His children to be clothed with the beauty of His character. We are His children, and His Holy Spirit lives in us; therefore, there is no reason we cannot be like our Father. Is it not reasonable for God to expect His children to be holy? He commands: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Clap your hands and give God glory.